Report from Planet Stas'

Atlas Polskych Ptakow: Stas' Atlas of Polish Birds - DUDEK

2012-01-31T15:16:00.001-06:00

Dudek Photo from Internet

Atlas Polskych Ptakow: Stas' Atlas of Polish Birds - SPECIAL EDITION: Polish Birds we've never seen and most want to see: DUDEK

Name: Dudek

Latin Name: Upupa epops

English Name: Crested Hoopoe (pronounced: Hu-pu)

This entry is about the Polish bird NONE OF US has seen and we most want to see! The hoopoe has a brownish orange chest and a brownish orange head. It's crest on the head is stands up when alarmed. It has a black tail and wings that both have white stripes (if you are a birder you would call stripes "bars"). Call is a soft repeated-hoop-hoop. It is from 9.8-12.6 in. and with a wingspan of 17.3-19 in.

More about the Dudek (in polish)(if you want you can use google translate) at: http://www.hoopoe.com.pl/

Post by Stas'
Photo from Internet

Atlas Polskych Ptakow: Stas' Atlas of Polish Birds - GAWRON

2012-01-15T05:39:00.000-06:00

Gawron on a Fence Photo by Ann November 2011

Latin Name: corvus frugilegus

Polish Name: Gawron

English Name: rook

Rook's are big black birds that in the sun can appear purple (see bottom right photo). They have a yellowish black beak. There tail is 15,5-18,5 cm. long. The length of the body is 44-49 cm. If you see pigeons and jackdaws feeding on a pice of bread there should be some rooks in the background. They will wait and wait and then finally scare the other birds away and will feed for a little while.

Foto J. Haslam/Ptasieogrody.pl

Post by Stas'

Atlas Polskych Ptakow Stas' Atlas of Polish Birds: Łabędź niemy

2012-01-15T05:38:00.001-06:00

Swan on Wisla; November 2011

Polish Name: Łabędź niemy

Latin Name: Cygnus olor

English Name: Mute swan

SWANS:

Juvenile Swan on Wisla

You can also find mute swans in Chicago and areas by the great lakes. They have a orange bill with a black hump on the back of it. Males are all white and juveniles are brownish. A juvenile has a blackish-brownish bill with no hump on the back the back. We see loads of them on the Wisla river by Wawel (Royal Castle) and near our apartment in Salwator.

Post by Stas'
Photos by Ann

Post by Stas'

Photos by Ann

Atlas Polskych Ptakow: Stas' Atlas of Polish Birds - BAżANT & SóJKA

2012-01-15T05:38:00.000-06:00

Birds my Parents have seen in Poland but not me!!

Bazant by J. Bohdal @ www.naturfoto.cz

Polish Name: Bażant

Latin Name: Phasianus colchicus

English Name: Ring-necked Pheasant

My dad has seen a pheasant on the path outside Blonia and my mom saw a Pheasant out the train window from Warszawa do Krakowa.

You can also see pheasants in Chicago but mostly in the more rural parts of illinois. They have a big tail, white ring around the neck, and a colorful head. Their body is brown with little black marks.

Sojka - photo Wikipedia PL

Polish Name: Sójka

Latin Name: garrulus glandarius

English Name: Jay

My dad has seen one but me and my mom haven't. They have very beautiful wings with blue. They have a brown body, a bluish tail and black on part ow the wings.

Post by Stas'
Photos from Internet

Atlas Polskych Ptakow: Stas' Atlas of Polish Birds - KAWKA

2012-01-08T03:21:00.001-06:00

Pair of Kawki in Siedlieckiego street; Jackdaws by David 2011

Polish Name: Kawka

English Name: Jackdaw

Latin Name: Corvus monedula

Jackdaw by David 2010

You can't see them in the U.S.A. but they are very common here. If you are feeding pigeons there should be 1-5 jackdaws also. They are a lot more smart. They wait for a big piece, then scare away the pigeons, and instead of eating right there, they fly way to a branch then eat it there. They are all grey and black with a somewhat blue eye. They have a black mask. Much more timid then pigeons.

Post by Stas'

Wikipedia Polish entry on Kawka: http://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawka

Wikipedia English entry on Jackdaw: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackdaw

Atlas Polskych Ptakow: Stas' Atlas of Polish Birds - GAWRON

2012-01-08T03:14:00.001-06:00

Gawron on a Fence Photo by Ann November 2011

Foto J. Haslam/Ptasieogrody.pl

Post by Stas'

Atlas Polskych Ptakow: Stas' Atlas of Polish Birds - MAZUREK & WRóBEL

2012-01-08T03:04:00.001-06:00

Mazurek/ptasieogrod.pl

Latin Name: passer montanus & passer domesticus

Polish Name: mazurek & wróbel

English Name: European Tree Sparrow & House Sparrow

The house sparrow (wrobel) is very common anywhere like in parks and is also found in the U.S. almost everywhere.The European tree sparrow (Mazurek) is not as common as the house sparrow and in the U.S. it is only in the middle of Illinois. Where ever there is food you should find house sparrows and maybe a few tree sparrows.

Wrobel/ptasieogrod.

Online info:
http://ptasieogrody.pl/wiki/Mazurek

http://ptasieogrody.pl/wiki/Wr%C3%B3bel

Post by Stas'

Birdprints in the Snow

2012-01-04T05:14:00.002-06:00

Birdprints in the snow, Planty, Krakow

People and dogs are not the only things that leave tracks in the snow. Birds leave tracks in the Planty here in krakow. We discovered that they are rook tracks and the smaller ones are pigeons or jackdaws. It helps me see how many birds have been there over time and identify birds that were there earlier.

Post by Stas'
Photo by Stas'
Krakow, Poland
Grudzien 2011

Stas' Fororeportaz: Kościół Mariacki / St. Mary's Basilica

2012-01-04T05:12:00.003-06:00

St. Mary's Basilica (Kościół Mariacki), is the most famous symbol of Krakow after Wawel Cathedral. A Brick Gothic church re-built in the 14th century (originally built in the early 13th century), adjacent to the Main Market Square. Standing 80 m (262 ft) tall, it is particularly famous for its wooden altarpiece carved by Veit Stoss (Wit Stwosz).

On every hour, a trumpet signal—called the Hejnał mariacki—is played from the top of the taller of St. Mary's two towers. The plaintive tune breaks off in mid-stream, to commemorate the famous 13th century trumpeter, who was shot in the throat while sounding the alarm before the Mongol attack on the city. The noon-time hejnał is heard across Poland and abroad broadcast live by the Polish national Radio 1 Station.

St. Mary's Basilica also served as an architectural model for many of the churches that were built by the Polish diaspora abroad, particularly those like St. Michael's and St. John Cantius in Chicago, designed in the so-called Polish Cathedral style. (Info from Wikipedia)

Photos by Stas'

5 November 2011

Mariacki Parish website online
with panoramic views at:
http://www.mariacki.com/

Stas' Fotoreportaz: Hejnalist / Trumpeter of Krakow

2012-01-04T05:12:00.001-06:00

Stas' has climbed the Mariacki Tower many times and has even met the Trumpeter personally, obtaining his autograph. The Hejnal is the background soundtrack of everyday life in Krakow's old town. Here is the legend....Photos by Stas'

Trumpeter in Mariacki Window by Stas' 2011

"Straining his eyes, the old watchman looked out onto the horizon for a trace of the signal fire. But somehow, he felt that as had happened before, his fellow guards had retired to the warmth of home or lost the battle against sleep (no doubt aided by the rather excellent vodka that had been on sale at the Rynek of late). The black mass was still there, and again that rippling effect that had sparked the first shock of adrenalin. Dawn was breaking now, and resolved that he would not leave anything to chance, he scuttled up to the peak of the tower and began the trumpet call. As he did so the mass rippled again. But now it was moving forwards out of the mist. The warriors of Genghis Khan, having dined heartily off blood and sour milk, were now poised to attack. The mutterings of the one-eyed man had been true.

For the old watchman there were now no more doubts. And with the adrenalin firing through his veins he redoubled his efforts, punching out the notes in staccato bursts. A face appeared at the window of the carpenters tower. It was Stas, a goodly fellow, and quickly grasping the seriousness of the situation, he leapt down the steps to wake up the rest of the guard. Meanwhile, the old watchman played on, hammering out the notes for all his worth. More faces were appearing now. Shutters opened down Florianska street, and a gradual hubbub began to take hold. The old watchman blew on.

Away on the dewy meadows the Tartar warriors were mounting their horses and drawing their swords. But already the old watchman could see the Polish archers arriving: the King's own men. Now there was a chance!

The archers took up their positions along the battlements. Some stood tall over the precipice whilst others crouched against the loopholes, steadying their bows at the approaching chargers. The wild yellow men were galloping through the mist now, their long moustaches twirling in the wind as they cried out the attack. But by now the arrows were flying. They hissed through the air, raining down on the hapless warriors in great waves. The horsemen rode on, but down came a second wave, and then a third. Victory was nigh! Three more waves fell and the Tartars were forced into retreat. Krakow was saved!

Jubilation erupted amongst the men, and it was some time before the excitement died down. Yet the goodly carpenter Stas soon realized that something was amiss - his old friend the watchman was nowhere to be seen. So off he went in search of the trumpeter. However, when he reached the tower he found that disaster had struck - his dear friend had fallen. A single Tartar arrow had pierced the old watchman's neck and he had died in an instant. The trumpet was still clasped in his hands ready to blast out a final note.The Cracovians would never forget the act of the humble old watchman. Thus from henceforth it was decreed that a bugle call should be played each day in memory of the hero. And so it was, for hundreds of years the 'hejnal' has rung out over Krakow's rooftops for the noble watchman who saved the city.

The hejnal of Krakow, which is played from the northern tower St. Mary's basilica, the city's ancient Gothic church, is amongst the most picturesque of Krakow's customs. It has continued almost without interruption for some seven hundred years.

The hejnal is played each day, on the hour every hour, (regardless of time or season), from the north, south, east and west windows of the tower (to the four corners of the globe). The tradition is looked upon with affection by Cracovians and Poles alike, and since 1927, a recording of the melody has been played daily on Polish national radio.

If you listen closely you will notice that the tune seems to stop suddenly in midnote. This is in keeping with the legend, when a noble watchman was struck down as he sounded the alarm."


Trumpeter's Tower by Stas' 2011

Stas' & Hejnalist 2010

Legend reproduced from Cracow-life.com

Photos by Stas'

(2010 Stas' with Hejnalist by David)

5 November 2011

Stas' Fotoreportaz: Ulica Poselka

2012-01-04T05:11:00.003-06:00

Photos by Stas', scenes around Poselka Street, Krakow, 5. listopada 2011.r.

Stas' Fotoreportaz: The Legend of the Krakow Pigeons

2012-01-04T05:11:00.001-06:00

Krakow's Rynek (Main Square) is the largest in Europe, and home to about 40,000 pigeons. Here is the the legend about them...

"Long, long ago, there lived a king called Boleslaw, and he was known as 'The Wrymouth'.

He was a clever man, but in his old age he made one fatal mistake. He resolved to divide his kingdom between his five sons. And so it happened. Poland - once a great country - was split into five pieces. And in time, the five sons passed their lands to their own sons, and they in turn to their sons. As it was, generations were to pass, and not one was bold enough to reunite the old kingdom.

Then one day, a Prince of Krakow named Henryk Probius steeled himself for this great task. It was, to be sure, no easy venture. And in winning the support of the other kingdoms, the Prince would have to spend a great deal of money. What is more, he would have to make a journey to Rome to gain the approval of the Pope himself. Yet the treasury in Krakow was almost empty! There was no way that he could afford such a journey. What was he to do? And so with great energy he set about winning the support of the local merchants and nobles.'How glorious it will be' he would cry, 'Poland shall be born again! Who knows what glories and triumphs await us!'

It was indeed a great plan, but somehow, the nobles were reluctant to gamble their money on such a venture, and after a year had passed the Prince was still no better off than he had been before.Down the length and breadth of the kingdom he travelled and still no luck was to come his way. He became terribly unhappy. Why did nobody rally to his calls?

The Prince had just about given up all hope when one of his faithful knights brought news of one final place that he might try. As many people in Krakow knew, there was an old witch who lived in the wilds beyond the city - perhaps she could help him in his task?

Yet this hag had such a foul reputation that none would dare go out in search of her. But the Prince, determined to try anything, would not be put off by such stories, and off he went on his own.

It was a treacherous journey to be sure, and foul marshes beset the Prince at every turn. Night fell and still he had not found the witch. And such strange noises one hears at night - from where could such terrible croaks and screeches come? But he was a brave Prince and he would not turn back.

Then, pulling aside some ferns, he came upon a clearing. There in the centre was a hut. Taking a deep breath, he strode up to the door and entered. There, lit up by the flames of her gurgling cauldron was the terrible witch. She was throwing all manner of disgusting things into the brew and at first she appeared not to notice him. 'What a foul woman indeed' he thought, and nearly placed his handkerchief over his nose in disgust. But he was a brave Prince and he would not be shaken by such a strumpet.

Clearing his throat, he quickly explained to her his problem. She did not need much time to come to her decision indeed she would come to his aid and see that he travelled to Rome with all the splendour that was due a mighty prince. Yet this would only be granted if he agreed to her terms. His trusted knights must not accompany him on his quest, they would remain transformed into pigeons until his return to Krakow.

What on earth was he to do? After pacing back and forth for a moment, deep in thought, he resolved to accept her harsh terms.The next morning the witch appeared in the great Market Square where the Prince had agreed to meet her. With a sharp glance and a swift gesture of her arm the knights were indeed transformed into pigeons. Up they flew onto the roof of the Mariacki church. And as they settled there, they dislodged a great shower of little stones. As each stone hit the ground it bounced up and turned into a spinning coin of brilliant gold.

Soon the whole square shimmered with this fabulous treasure. It was a marvelous sight and before long the townsfolk had filled many baskets to the brim. The Prince was ecstatic and the people of Krakow saw him off with a tremendous fanfare. And thus it appeared that fortune was smiling on our Prince. Yet things rarely turn out as one might expect. And true enough, he became so giddy at his new found wealth that he splashed it about in a most unwise manner. At every town on his journey he frivolled it away on banquets and balls (and not a few beautiful maidens). By the time that he realized the error of his ways it was too late. He was so penniless that he never even made it to the Italian border. Full of shame the Prince returned to Krakow. How foolish he had been.

And what of his trusted knights, one might ask? He searched far and wide for the hag but much as he might try he never could find her. Worse still, all attempts to remove the spell from the knights were to no avail. The merchants quipped how wise they had been not to lend their money to this hapless fellow. Thus the Prince had to live out his days a very unhappy man, forever searching for the strange witch of the marshes.

And so it was that Poland remained divided until the reign of King Casimir the Great in 1333. But all the while the pigeons have lived on, and this is why the Krakovians treat them with such respect. They are indeed no ordinary birds but the enchanted knights of Henryk Probius, still full of hope and awaiting the arrival of their Prince with the crown of a King."

Legend reproduced from Cracow-Life.com

Photos by Stas'

5 Listopad 2011

Stas' Fotoreportaz: Planty & Collegium Novum (UJ)

2012-01-04T05:10:00.001-06:00

Stas' Fotoreportage: Scenes around the Planty & Collegium Novum (UJ), 5. listopada 2011.r.

Atlas Polskych Ptakow: Stas' Atlas of Polish Birds - BOGATKA

2012-01-04T05:09:00.001-06:00

Bogatka; Photo by Stas'

Bogatka Photo by Ann & Stas'

Latin Name: Parus major

Polish Name: bogatka

English Name: Great Tit

They have a black head with big white cheeks and a yellow belly with a black stripe that goes from the head to the bottom of the belly. They have grey wings with white bars and the same with the tail. Grey tiny beak and black eyes. Usually moves around very quickly. It was really hard to get the photos. My photo is not as good because I was not using the good camera :(. But still they are really "on the go, all the time". My mom got the photos by zooming in on the bird house which the tit occasionally would go to. When it flew towards the birdhouse, I would say "go" and then she would press the shutter button. ( the reason why she couldn't see the bird through the screen and then press the shutter button is because our camera has a really slow shutter).

They are really beautiful birds.

Link to photos and sound files of their song:
http://ptasieogrody.pl/wiki/Bogatka

Photo from Ptasieogrody.pl

Bogatka, Photo by Ann & Stas' 7 Nov 11

Bogatka photo by Ann & Stas'

Post by Stas'

6 Nov. 2011

Atlas Polskych Ptakow: Stas' Atlas of Polish Birds - MODRASZKA

2012-01-04T05:08:00.001-06:00

Photo courtesy of Ptasie Ogrody.pl

Polish Name: Modraszka

English Name: Blue Tit

Latin Name: Parus caeruleus

The reason we have not got a photo yet because they are always "on the go". They have a beautiful song and are very beautiful in colors. ( for British, colours). Farly common in quiet areas of big cities and other quiet places. Some other tits are the Great Tit, Coal Tit, and Marsh Tit.

Photo from Internet - we haven't captured a picture yet

You can listen to their beautiful song and read information on this bird on the Polish website, Garden Birds/Ptasie Ogrody http://ptasieogrody.pl/wiki/Modraszka

Photo from internet

Post by Stas'

October 2011

Atlas Polskych Ptakow: Stas' Atlas of Polish Birds - SROKA

2012-01-04T05:06:00.001-06:00

Sroka - Magpie

Magpie in Flight

Polish Name: Sroka

English Name: Magpie

Latin Name: Pica pica

Magpies are really beautiful birds with these big tails that fan out at takeoff and the beginning of flight. They are fairly common in big trees and have a very obnoxious call. It is a rapid chattering.

Post by Stas'
Krakow, Poland
September 10, 2011

Atlas Polskych Ptakow: Stas' Atlas of Polish Birds - GOLUB

2012-01-04T05:04:00.003-06:00

"Training" Pigeons on the Rynek at Sukiennice

Polish Name: Golub

English Name: Rock pigeon

Latin Name: Columba livia

Whenever my mom goes to the Empik (a store) on the Rynek, I just feed pigeons and try to get them on my hand. I use tiny bread crumbs which they adore. Some of them I think are cuckoo or have horrible beak eye coordination because they sometimes randomly peck my leg or hand and miss and peck me when I'm holding a crumb.

Golub on the Sukiennice Balcony

Post by Stas'
September 10, 2011

Cultural Arts Contest 2010 at Beaubien

2010-05-21T20:19:00.005-05:00

I look forward to the Beaubien Cultural Arts Contest every year. I am really excited that I won three ribbons this year, especially because I'm now the youngest age in the Intermediate category going against kids in fourth & fifth grades. (I'm in third grade.) I entered works in three categories and had a winning artwork in each:

PHOTOGRAPHY
MUSIC COMPOSITION
CREATIVE WRITING

I've posted my pieces on the blog for you to see! Hope you like them!

Cultural Arts Contest: Photography Prize !

2010-05-21T20:14:00.004-05:00

This is my winning photograph in the Beaubien Cultural Arts Contest for 2010. I was awarded the Second Prize Ribbon for this picture.

The contest theme was the Arts of Life.

My photo, "Coffee Still Life," is shown.

This is the third year I've entered and won a prize in Photography - I am really excited!

Cultural Arts Contest: Music Composition Prize!!

2010-05-21T20:07:00.007-05:00

This is the 2nd Prize Ribbon Winner in Beaubien's annual Cultural Arts Contest in the category MUSIC COMPOSITION. The theme of this year's contest was The Arts of Life.

My composition is titled: "Everyday Moments"
Composer: Stanisław Gunkel
Composed and recorded in Garage Band ®
All computerized instruments, keyboards, and live violin performed and recorded by the composer, Stas' (Grade 3).

My mom & dad like it because they said my keyboards remind them of Bowie's Alladin Sane phase. You can judge for yourself!

LISTEN TO MY COMPOSITION HERE

Cultural Arts Contest: Creative Writing Prize !

2010-05-21T20:03:00.005-05:00

This is 3rd Prize Ribbon Winner in Beaubien's annual Cultural Arts Contest: my Poem, "Crafting a Life". The theme of this year's contest was The Arts of Life.

CLICK ON IMAGE to read my poem.

Cultural Arts Contest!

2010-05-21T20:00:00.002-05:00

The winners of Beaubien's annual Cultural Arts Contest were announced today and I won three ribbons: Second Prize in Photography, Second Prize in Music Composition and Third Prize in Creative Writing. I am really excited, esp. because I'm in a new age bracket and most of the kids are older than 3rd grade! I will post my winning entries here.

Review: The Three Stooges (TV)

2009-09-03T10:17:00.005-05:00

The Three Stooges are a TV show I enjoy. I enjoy it because it is funny. I like that it is slapstick. Slapstick is physical comedy, for example, slapping, punching and falling down. The characters are Moe, Larry and Curly. Moe calls Larry porcupine because he has furry hair. Curly's name is funny because he is actually bald. Moe is the leader of the group. Although it is an old show, you can watch it on DVD or On Demand. Watch it or I will poke your eyes.

Video Game Review: Wall-E

2009-09-01T19:25:00.005-05:00

Wall-E is a fun video game. It is based on the movie Wall-E. You can play the two main characters, Wall-E and Eve. You can make trash cubes with Wall-E. I like that you can fire a laser. You can collect artifacts. I like that you can use explosive cubes because it blows stuff up. If you like Wall-E the movie, you'll like the video game.

Concert Review: Elvis Costello & the Sugarcanes

2009-08-31T14:47:00.008-05:00

Elvis Costello & the Sugarcanes at Ravinia August 25, 2009

I saw Elvis Costello and the Sugarcanes in August at Ravinia. I think it was a great idea to put Elvis and the Sugarcanes together because Elvis is good and so are the Sugarcanes.

Elvis performed good songs; here are two of them: Hidden Shame and Complicated Shadows. The band has a slide guitar. The band also has a violin. The music was good.

You can buy the CD. I hope you like it.

(Concert photos by my mom & dad.)

Video Game Review: Rock Raiders

2009-08-28T19:30:00.007-05:00

Rock Raiders is a game based on Legos. It is for the PC. It is a fun game.

I like Rock Raiders because it is like you are really drilling rock. The player is supposed to drill walls to get energy crystals.

They brief you before you start the mission. You can drill with vehicles. Here are some vehicles you can drive: the small digger, Granite grinder or the rapid rider.

I think you should play it. I hope you like it.

Summer of 2009

2009-08-28T19:26:00.005-05:00

My Summer of 2009 was fun: I'm going to tell you three things about it.

1. I went to New York; I went to Del Posto and I went rowing in Central Park.

2. I had an Adler Planetarium Summer Camp. I built a robot and created a 3D world there.

3. I also went to Wautoma, Wisconsin. I caught a bass and ate it; it tasted good. My summer of 2009 was fun.

Restaurant Review: Epic Burger

2009-08-26T09:32:00.009-05:00

Epic Burger
517 South State Street, Chicago IL
epicburger.com

Epic Burger is a good restaurant. It is eco-friendly and healthy. Epic Burger is for people (like me) who will not step foot into Burger King or McDonald's. This cheese burger and fries won't put trans fats into your body even though it tastes delicious.

Their cups are made of corn instead of plastic. The food is eco-friendly because they use grass fed beef, local cheeses, cage-free eggs, and nitrate-free bacon. They have great shakes and smoothies that have healthy ingredients.

I want you to eat here. I hope you like it.

Rating: 4 Stas

Movie Review: Shorts

2009-08-26T09:31:00.006-05:00

Movie Review: Shorts

Shorts is a funny and clever film by Robert Rodriguez. Shorts is about a rock that makes wishes come true. I like that the story is out of order and it told in short segments. It has lots of humor. It was funny when the kid's booger turned into a monster. It was also funny when the kid almost ate a fish. I encourage you to see it. I hope you like it.

My Rating: 3 Stas'

Movie Review: Mr. Hulot's Holiday / Les Vacances de Monsieur Hulot

2009-08-03T17:55:00.006-05:00

Movie Review: Mr. Hulot's Holiday / Les Vacances de Monsieur Hulot (1953)

Mr. Hulot's Holiday was a great movie. I like that it is a French movie. Jacques Tati plays Mr. Hulot; he is also the Director. In the film, Mr. Hulot goes on vacation to a seaside resort. Wherever Mr. Hulot goes, everything goes cuckoo. It was really funny when Mr. Hulot accidentally lit a fire cracker and it went into someone's room and blew up. It was also funny when he dumped out his wash basin out the window and the water landed on someone. You should see it. I hope you like it.

My rating: 4 of 5 Stas'

Movie Review: G-Force

2009-08-01T11:25:00.008-05:00

Movie Review: G-Force

G-Force is a great movie. It has lots of kid and adult humor. It is about 3 ordinary guinea pigs who become secret agents. Their names are Juarez, Darwin, Blaster and Hurley. Their spy gear is really cool. I encourage you to see it. I hope you like it.

My rating: 4 on a Scale of 5 Stas'

"G-Force" image from

Disney film website downloads

Adler Planetarium Technology Camp

2009-07-17T10:45:00.003-05:00

I just finished a GREAT week at the Adler Planetarium's Technology Camp, designing & programming robots, designing 3D space communities, and making a digital movie. I've been wanting to design Lego robotics as long as I can remember. This was awesome!

Story from Chicago 3 media is online:

http://chicago3media.com/video-categories.html?task=viewvideo&video_id=142

More video from my own film coming soon!

Move Review: UP

2009-06-01T16:43:00.018-05:00

Movie Review: UP

Up was a great movie. The two main characters are Russell and the old man. Russell is a wilderness scout.

Pixar personifies dogs by taking the dog's personality and then making them talk. Pixar is good at personifying dogs because they seem to know how dogs think. In one part, the dog wears the cone of shame. It was funny when the dog said, "I'm hiding under your porch because I love you." I encourage you to see it. I hope you like it.

My Rating: 5 of 5 Stas'

"Up" image available from Disney/Pixar film website downloads

Our Debut at the CSO!

2009-05-19T09:40:00.005-05:00

The Sherwood Conservatory Suzuki String Ensemble made our debut at Orchestra Hall, home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra on May 16, 2009. We were chosen to perform for the closing day of the CSO's 2009 Festival of Youth in Music, part of their Young Musician Initiative. This was really exciting because we played onstage at the CSO where virtually every great musician in the world has performed over the past 100+ years. I've seen Joshua Bell and Anne-Sophie Mutter play on this same stage.
Here is a video of the Violins (with me) playing Handel's Chorus from Judas Maccabeus.

The Suzuki Department Head is my teacher Marija Bubanj. The violins are led by Marija Bubanj and Emilia Blaszak-Freymiller. Our accompanist is Miss Massumi Ichise.

Here is another video of our CSO debut (with me in violins) . The Suzuki String Ensemble (Violins and Cellos) is playing French Folk Song. The Cello Director is Martine Benmann.

This was a really exciting event for us. Hope you enjoy the music. (Video by my dad.)

Prize Winning Photograph!

2009-05-05T16:46:00.003-05:00

My entry into the Beaubien Cultural Arts Contest and Fine Arts Festival has been awarded the 1st Prize in Photography! I am receiving a trophy at the Fine Arts Festival on May 16, 2009 and then a special celebration awards luncheon from the Beaubien PTO.

The theme of the contest this year was "Go Green." I'm so excited! I took my winning photograph in Times Square, New York City. It is a photograph of a wind-powered billboard display on Times Square. When I saw the billboard, I knew it was a perfect image for the contest so I stood in Times Square in January waiting for the images to cycle so I could catch just the right shot of the "green" image.

Prize Winning Poem !

2009-05-05T16:41:00.005-05:00

My entry into the Beaubien Cultural Arts Contest and Fine Arts Festival has been awarded the 1st Prize in Creative Writing! I am receiving a trophy at the Fine Arts Festival on May 16, 2009 and then a special celebration awards luncheon from the Beaubien PTO.

The theme of the contest this year was "Go Green."

I'm so excited! My poem is below:

Our Earth's Future

Garbagey globe.
Stinky skies.
No place to live,
The earth in disguise.

Polluted planet.
Odorous orb.
No world for us anywhere,
No light to absorb.

Get rid of this scene!
Should Wall-E clean up our earth?
No Way!
I say …Go Green!

Poem (c) Stas' Gunkel 2009.

Eco-Poetry & Eco-Photography

2009-03-18T09:50:00.008-05:00

This poem & photo are my submissions for the 2009 Beaubien Cultural Arts Contest. The theme of the contest is GOING GREEN so my poem is about the environment.

The photo is my entry in the Photography category of the Contest. It is a photo I took in New York's Times Square of a wind-powered billboard display. Photography is one of my favorite hobbies. I won a ribbon in last year's contest with my photo of The Sears Tower & I won the 2008 National Photo Contest for the Polish National Alliance with my photo of Michigan Avenue. I hope you enjoy them.

Our Earth's Future

Garbagey globe.
Stinky skies.
No place to live,
The earth in disguise.

Polluted planet.
Odorous orb.
No world for us anywhere,
No light to absorb.

Get rid of this scene!
Should Wall-E clean up our earth?
No Way!
I say …Go Green!

Poem & Photo (c) Stas' Gunkel 2009.

Review: Mozart's Magic Flute at the Met

2009-02-15T16:32:00.009-06:00

Review: Mozart's Magic Flute at the Metropolitan Opera of NYC

December 31, 2008

Production Design: Julie Taymor

The Metropolitan Opera is a very beautiful place. This is the first opera I've ever been to and it was very good. I was there on New Year's Eve. There were lots of big puppets designed by Julie Taymor; they were very pretty and colorful.

The opera, The Magic Flute, by Mozart was very lively. It is also very happy. Papageno was my favorite character. The Magic Flute was very good.

Review: Wagner's Tristan & Isolde at Lyric Opera Chicago

2009-02-15T16:27:00.010-06:00

Review: Wagner's Tristan & Isolde at Lyric Opera Chicago

February 2009

Soprano: Deborah Voight

Tenor: Clifton Forbis

Production Design: David Hockney

Wagner rocks! The singing was excellent. The music was excellent. This is much more serious than Mozart. This is music for serious people!

It was obvious to me that the Star Wars guy stole everything from Wagner! This is the original.

My mom & dad said I could choose any opera to see this season and I picked Wagner. They were surprised because it is 5 hours long. But it was outstanding and I loved it.

Chicago Music Awards: Report

2009-02-15T16:19:00.003-06:00

Thank you to everyone for your support. I performed at the Park West at the Chicago Music Awards on January 18th, 2009. I played Bach's Musette.

It was a very exciting opportunity. I enjoyed sitting next to CMA & Grammy winners Eddie Blazonczyk's Versatones and I had the chance to wear my first tuxedo! Congratulations to the winner of Most Talented Kids category, a young gospel music singer called Joshlyn Lomax. She was excellent!

Video of my performance is on YouTube. It includes the very nice introduction I received from WGCI readio host Dana Divine.

Chicago Music Awards!

2008-12-19T22:16:00.005-06:00

This has been the most exciting year for me. I've been named a Nominee for the 28th Annual Chicago Music Awards! Earlier this year, I won the Albertina Walker Foundation Scholarship for my violin study at Sherwood Conservatory. This is too much! If you'd like to vote for me, you can do so at: http://martinsinterculture.com
CLICK on CMA and then on NOMINEES. I am nominated in the category of Most Talented Kid (under 12 yrs. old).

Nominees in other categories of music include people such as Sir Andrew Davis, the CSO, Buddy Guy, Rachel Barton Pine, Wilco, Smashing Pumpkins, The Polkaholics, Eddie Blazonczyk, Kanye West, Jennifer Hudson and others! Musicians in gospel, classical, polka, jazz, spoken word, blues and other categories are honored.

I am very thrilled that I will be attending the VIP reception with all the famous musicians and my parents. The reception and awards evening will be held at the Park West in Chicago on Sunday January 18, 2009. This year's event is being held in honor of President-Elect Barack Obama. (See my blog posts below). I was invited by some very kind people to attend the Children's Inauguration of President Elect Obama in Washington, D.C. but I will be in Chicago that weekend.

If you choose to support me with a vote, thanks! If not, that's OK too. You can see me play violin in my NBC-TV story (blog is below) or on our YouTube page.

Peace on Earth

2008-12-17T14:57:00.005-06:00

Here is my 2008 holiday message to you...

My class is singing and sign languaging Let There Be Peace on Earth.

Peace out everyone.

P.S. Thanks to Mrs. Nieves, my teacher.

Graphics by Ann Hetzel Gunkel/ Digital Supplies from Gina Cabrera at DDE

Thank You!

2008-11-23T11:35:00.002-06:00

Special thanks to the nice people who have called, interviewed and written about me: Kara Spak & Al Podgorski of the Chicago Sun Times, Art Norman of NBC-TV Chicago, ABC - & TV Chicago, WLS Radio, WLUP Radio & Jonathan Brandmeier, and especially Bloggers all over the world!

Political Poetry

2008-11-23T11:34:00.009-06:00

Hope Haiku

Barack Obama.

He is now our President.

He says Yes We Can.

And yes, I know that a haiku is supposed to be about nature. I'm breaking the rules. My dad taught me that when it comes to haiku.
Graphics by Ann Hetzel Gunkel; Photo courtesy of Al Podgorski, Chicago Sun-Times; Digital Supplies by Gina Cabrera of DDE

On TV

2008-11-11T15:04:00.005-06:00

Today I am being interviewed about my blog. I like being interviewed. I will be on tv tonight. I will be on channel 5 and 7 (Chicago) at 6:00.

On the NBC 5 website now can now view the video of Mr. Art Norman's interview with me :
http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Seven-year-old-Political-Blogger-Gets-Obama-Thank-You-Letter.html

Letter from Barack Obama

2008-11-04T10:28:00.007-06:00

Five days before the election, I received a letter from Senator Barack Obama. I was surprised that I got a letter from him and excited.

Senator Obama's advice to me:

"Dear Stas, Thank you for your kind words and for your support. I am impressed with your interest in politics, especially at your young age. I encourage you to visit my website kids.barackobama.com to learn more about everything we're doing to make your family's future even brighter.

I leave you with three bits of advice that will make your life more fulfilling: Look out for other people, even when it does not directly benefit you; strive to make a difference everywhere you go; and get back up every time you are knocked down.

Thanks again for writing to me. Seeing young people like you who care about making things better inspires me and gives me great hope about the future of our country and our world. Sincerely, Barack Obama"

VOTE!

2008-11-04T10:25:00.001-06:00

Vote! Today is November 4, 2008. Make history!

Kids for OBAMA: Election Commentary

2008-09-27T19:42:00.007-05:00

I think Obama should be elected as President because he wants to stop the war. He also wants to stop polluting & using fossil fuels and use renewable power like wind, water and solar. (I learned about renewable energy sources at Northwestern University. They are better because they don't pollute and we don't have to drill or dig for coal.) If we don't stop polluting, we will be walking around town in gas masks.

I also support his Vice President Biden because he supports laws that help working people.

This is why you should vote for Obama.

(LO & Photo by Ann Hetzel Gunkel; Digital supplies from Scrap Girls)

Kids for OBAMA: Election Commentary

2008-09-27T19:33:00.009-05:00

Election Commentary by 7 year old Stas'

I am asking grown-ups to vote for Barack Obama. I find politics interesting and like to learn about the issues. I listen to NPR and we learned about the election in our Scholastic magazine at school.

You should vote for Barack Obama because McCain / Palin (and Bush) want to keep the war in Iraq going and I don't think this is a good idea. Senator McCain has supported President Bush in the war in Iraq for the whole time. This shows that McCain would not be a good President because this would give us another Bush in the White House. Instead, vote for Barack Obama because he did not support the war and he will bring our troops home.

Kids for OBAMA: Election commentary

2008-09-27T15:47:00.020-05:00

Here is why I'm asking grown-ups to vote for Barack Obama. I am 7 years old so I can't vote......

My mom told me that I shouldn't base my election analysis on "feelings" (I like him/her) or "beliefs" (I share his/her beliefs) but on logical arguments. She asked me to create my own rational explanations for my support of Obama. Here is one of my arguments:

McCain and Palin are not be qualified to be President / Vice President of the U.S. The President's job is to do good for the country and the world. To do good for the country, the President must make smart decisions on important situations.

Governor Palin believes the world is 6000 years old. This is absurd. This is not a rational belief. This is a mistake. Scientists, experiments and evidence have shown this to be completely false. Therefore, she is not rational. If she is not rational, she should not be allowed to be President or Vice President.

Please vote for Barack Obama.

François-Joseph Gossec

2008-03-30T13:54:00.004-05:00

François-Joseph Gossec

Birth: Jan. 17,1734-- Death: Feb.16,1829

I am currently studying Gavotte by Gossec; the last composition in the Book I Suzuki repertoire. This will complete my preparations for my first solo recital later this spring. Because of that, my violin teacher at the Conservatory, Miss Marija, asked me to research Gossec. Here is what I learned.

Gossec was born in Belgium and worked in France. He helped popularize the symphony in France, and his original approach to scoring anticipated several techniques of the Romantic movement. Gossec became famous in 1760 for his massive requiem Mass. (It involved 2 orchestras and 1600 singers!)

In the late eighteenth century he became famous for the music he wrote for the French Revolution. (My mom is very impressed because he was a radical, called "the composer of the French revolution.")

Exo-Force Diorama

2008-03-24T22:41:00.005-05:00

This is my diorama & report on the book Lego EXO-FORCE: Race to the Golden City by Allison Lassieur. I built the diorama and Lego characters myself by painting a box, assembling the characters and decorating the setting. (My dad helped me paint and my mom helped me use glitter and bottle caps to decorate the Golden City.) The report is for my first grade class assignment. I chose this chapter book for my project because I love Lego Exo-force and their battles against the evil robots. My report reads:

"The setting of the story is the Golden City on Sentai Mountain. This is where the Exo-Force team fights the robots. In this scene, the Iron Condor is piloted by a bad Devastator Robot. It is attacking Cyclone Defender which is driven by Ryo. The Exo-force team wins the battle. I am glad because they're the good guys."

Chicago Symphony Orchestra Nov 2, 2007

2007-11-03T09:05:00.000-05:00

EVENT REVIEW: Chicago Symphony Orchestra BRUCKNER 4
Christoph von Dohnányi, conductor;
Arabella Steinbacher, violin

Sibelius - Violin Concerto
Bruckner - Symphony No. 4 (Romantic)

Arabella Steinbacher is 25 years old and she is famous. But she sounded great. The Sibelius Concerto was fantastic.

I liked the Bruckner 4 because it had good dynamics. If you never heard of dynamics, that is when the music gets louder and softer.

Poland: Medieval Times

2007-08-26T11:01:00.001-05:00

In Poland, I met a real knight in Krakow at the Barbakan. The Barbakan is the place where we saw knights fighting and ancient guns firing. The Barbakan is the medieval fortress city wall of Krakow. It used to have a moat in the middle ages and a moat is a lake that they used to drown bad guys attacking the city. After we left the Barbakan, there was a big storm. We also climbed the city walls.

U-505

2007-08-26T10:55:00.001-05:00

The u505 was cool. I went inside.

The Opa-Mobile

2007-05-08T16:53:00.000-05:00

I like the OpaMobile very much. I got it from my Opa. I put a White Sox symbol on it because I like the White Sox and my Opa also likes the White Sox.

Stas loves to golf!

2007-05-08T16:48:00.000-05:00

I LOVE TO GOLF A LOT . I TOOK GOLFING LESSONS TOO. I WATCH GOLF ON TV WITH MY OPA

Star Wars Easter?

2007-04-07T07:36:00.000-05:00

Happy Easter everyone! I made these eggs from a Star Wars Easter egg kit. R2D2 was the best. I'm going to take R2D2 to get blessed at Swieconka.

Have a Happy Easter.

Ice Planet Hoth

2007-03-24T15:16:00.000-05:00

My mom and I made this scene from Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back. And I almost forgot about Dad--he dropped flour on the Star Wars stuff to create the snow. I set up the figurines. In this scene, there is a battery and a tower that shoot out missiles. The Rebels are fighting the Dark Side of the Force.

The Joy of Jedi

2007-03-21T17:38:00.000-05:00

I had fun being a Jedi Master with Patrick. We played. I was on the Jedi side and Patrick was on the Imperial side. We had a battle and I won the war. But, even though my light saber got cut in half, I got a new one from the Jedi base. At the beginning of the Star Wars war, I cut his right shoulder off. (I was pretending.) I had so much fun with Patrick, I almost had happy tears. I didn't want him to leave because he is my best friend ever.

[Photos/Design (c) 2007 Ann Hetzel Gunkel; Supplies: Adobe PHotoshop, Elements from Scrap Girls]

Lobster Strike!

2007-03-18T13:12:00.000-05:00

Mom, I like lobster strike so much! It makes me have happy tears.

Aquaraiders dive and find treasure under the deep sea and if sharks are in the way, they kill them by using torpedoes or harpoons. If lobsters are in the way, they also kill it with torpedoes and harpoons. But, sometimes the harpoons don't work. They are too weak. Even their guns and harpoons can kill electric eels.

The aquaraider vehicle has two guns on one gun because there are two metal sticks. And the shooters are on the metal sticks. They also dive and swim. Aquaraiders also can kill squids and octopi.

If I collect all the Aquaraider Legos, even the Shipwreck, then I will create a special scene. It will be with some Aquaraider Legos, Crab Crusher, Tiger Shark Attack, Deep Sea Treasure Hunter, Lobster Strike, Aquabase Invasion and the Shipwreck.

[Photos/Design (c) 2007 Ann Hetzel Gunkel; Supplies: Adobe Photoshop; Elements from Scrap Girls]

Chicago Symphony Orchestra March 16, 2007

2007-03-17T11:00:00.001-05:00

EVENT REVIEW: Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Mitsuko Uchida Guest Conductor and Piano; Mathiew Dufour, Flute; Robert Chen, Violin

Bach, Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 in D Major
Mozart, Serenade No. 11 in E-flat Major
Mozart, Piano Concerto No. 20 in D Minor

My favorite thing was the Mozart Concerto and Intermission. The piano player was so cool. She played piano and conducted the orchestra at the same time! I yelled BRAVA! to Maestra Mitsuko. I love going to the symphony. My mom bought me Great Composers chocolates and one was Mozart. It was delicious!

Thanks!

2007-03-17T10:57:00.000-05:00

Thanks mom for my deep sea treasure hunter Aquaraider. Thanks mom & dad for setting up my cool blog. Thanks to my Kindergarten teachers Miss Derec and Mrs. Burke, my violin teacher Miss Marija Bubanj, and all my teachers at Northwestern University's CTD. Thanks to my kindergarten friends. And thanks to my family and friends for visiting my blog!

Welcome to Planet Stas'

2007-03-17T10:26:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Planet Stas'! This is my blog. And my favorite thing is Lego Aquaraiders. My blog is going to be on Aquaraiders, space and all my favorite things. I am five and a half years old and I'm in Kindergarten. Please visit my blog again for more fun!